Tips to Help Your Child Recover from Surgery

The surgical journey doesn’t end when the procedure is complete. Your child will still need some time to get back to normal, but there are some things you can do to help them during recovery.

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

The doctor will make sure that you know what to expect after surgery. You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to help your child with any discomfort and to reduce the risk of complications. The specific advice will depend on the procedure and your child’s needs, but it will usually include the following.

• Medication: your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You may also be given painkillers to manage any discomfort after surgery. Always follow the instructions on the packet and consult your doctor before stopping or starting any medications after surgery.
• Caring for surgical Wounds: it is important to keep the incision sites clean and dry while they are healing. Your child will probably need to wear a dressing and there may be stitches to remove after a few days. Watch out for redness, swelling or discharge that could be due to an infection. A cold pack may help to relieve pain and swelling in this area.
• Follow up Appointments: the doctor will usually want to check how well your child is healing, so make sure that you attend the appointment. You should also contact your doctor if you have any concerns after the procedure.

Rest and Exercise

Children will usually need some extra rest after an operation, particularly if they have had a general anaesthetic. It’s important to make sure that your child is getting plenty of sleep and they may also need to rest during the day. However, getting some gentle exercise can also help with recovery. Walking a little bit more each day is good, but lifting anything heavy, running or jumping should be avoided until your doctor says so.

Caring for Your Child

Surgery can be a dramatic experience for children, even if they are too young to fully understand what is going on. Visiting the hospital, having the procedure, and dealing with the after effects can all have an impact. Children can also sense if you are anxious or be upset just because their usual routine has been disrupted. It’s important for you to be there before and after the operation to support your child.

• Make sure that you listen to your child if they have any questions or concerns.
• Spend some time together during recovery so that your child doesn’t feel bored or lonely.
• Prepare some treats and distractions to make the recovery period easier. Having plenty of games, books, toys and cartoons to enjoy can make keeping still much easier. It’s also important to play together so that your child doesn’t feel as if they’re on their own.
• Cuddles can be an important part of healing as they help reassure your child and can even help to relieve pain.

The best way to help your child after surgery is to be there for them. Talking, playing together, or just having you there can make all the difference.